Do You Have a Life-Map?

Do You Have A Life Plan?

. . . Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

their explanation Bubbling with action…from vigorous, water-shooting jets, the hot tub was vibrant with bubbly conversation too. People from all over the world were here in this tropical paradise to unwind from everyday lives and forget – for a moment – the worries and pressures they left behind.

Maybe that’s why Scott was reluctant to join in the spirited conversation. The robust man from San Francisco lounged neck deep in the steamy waters, overlooking the lush, maritime bay in Mexico. This second day of the New Year, had my husband Paul, me, and our travel buddies, enjoying our annual “vision vacation”; our time to reflect on the past year and prepare for what’s next. Soaking in the hot tub that morning, we started a round of New Year goals, and included Scott, our friend of 10 minutes, into the conversation.

“So what would you like to see different in the New Year?” I asked. “Who has a goal they’d like to reach or a habit they want to be free of?” The four of us began to chatter and ponder the questions amidst the soothing waters. We shared our thoughts, talking over one another each stimulating the other. “Oh yes, that’s a good one!” And, “that’s one of my goals too!”

Scott seemed to listen, so we invited him in. “Anything you’d like to add Scott?” we politely offered. His response not only surprised me, it befuddled me. “Nope, not really. I just live. I don’t think too much about anything like that. In fact, this last 5 minutes is the most I’ve ever thought about my goals or plans. I just live.”

I was speechless, which is probably a good thing because when words did find their way into my head, they weren’t the most encouraging. I bit my tongue. Instead of quipping back, “that’s the dumbest answer I’ve ever heard,” I replied, “Well, maybe this conversation can act as a catalyst for you to think about your future and get some traction for things you want in your life.”

“Maybe, he said. I guess I would like to lose some weight this year. My knees and ankles are starting to really feel this extra 60 lbs.” We exhorted in unison, “That’s a great goal, Scott. Health is so important and such a gift. We want to take good care of our bodies as they serve us so faithfully.”

Another blank stare from Scott.

Then he muttered, “Well, we’ll see. I dunno. I’m not a big one for setting goals and making plans. I just live for today. As I said, this is the longest I’ve ever thought about my future or goals, or any dreams for that matter. I’m just trying to stay alive.”

What would make a person completely ignore the power of mapping out their life, I wondered? Seriously! Even my pets seem to have goals – eat fewer biscuits, get outdoors more, stop chewing on my owner’s shoes.

Why waste precious time on this earth having no idea of purpose, gifts, and talents, or our ability to influence and change the environment?

It’s clear to me that God expects us to make plans, and to know what’s in our heart to do. Then we’re to commit our plans to Him and watch what He will do.

So, now that the excitement of the New Year has passed, and we’re settling into our normal rhythms and routines, and we’ve broken all of our New Year’s resolutions, what’s still pounding in your heart? What dream remains alive and vibrant? What burdens your heart and keeps you up at night? These are all clues to the things that should stay on your list of goals and plans. They may be signals from God that He wants to use you in this way, or open a door for you to make a difference in the lives of others.

I review my goals almost daily. I pray over them and submit them to Jesus. I take baby steps toward them, and God-willing, I will reach each goal just as I’ve planned. Why? Because I trust and believe God put the desire in my heart in the first place.

Another way to interpret this verse is to say, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will PUT desires in your heart.” The word “desire” means “of the sire” or “of the father.” In other words, that strong impulse to achieve something is actually the “something” already in you, seeking to come out! – Derek Rydall

This is why I plan. This is what I trust God to do for me. How about you?

What desires are in your heart?What goals do you have for 2019?What steps have you taken toward them?

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About Dawn

Dawn Scott Damon

Your Freedom Coach

I'm a pastor, speaker, and author whose most recent book The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie The Cords That Bind You, released in spring 2019. As your Freedom Coach, I'm the founder of FreedomGirl Sisterhood, a women’s conference which offers help for those suffering from traumas. I also host the Freedom Girl Sisterhood radio program. My desire is to communicate the story of Jesus Christ in such a compelling way, that hearts are engaged, dreams are ignited, and lives are transformed!

What's my favorite part of my life? When reflecting on my life and what I enjoy the most, I have to say, my family. It’s so awesome to see all these little children, and to think I am their grandma! I have an amazing opportunity to influence these little people to love the Lord! What do you enjoy most about life? ... See MoreSee Less

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The truth behind seven little words changed Dawn’s life when she heard a man from a small country church sing “I am who He says I am!” Her life was transformed as she began to believe what God’s Word says about who she is in Christ, and she started her journey out of betrayal, abandonment, and deception. YOU too can change your life. Take the Challenge today! Start by reading this free chapter.